Citing the threat to regional peace from terrorists and Islamic militants in rebel-held northern Mali, the United Nations Security Council today (12 October) held out the possibility of endorsing, within the next 45 days, an international military force to restore the unity of the West African country. UNTV

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said today (12 October) that refugees who are spread across Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq will require tents specially adopted for the winter months, warm clothing, high thermal blankets, hot water bottles, fuel for heating in addition to the regular supplies of food and water. CH UNTV

Growth inAsiaduring the first half of this year has slowed to its lowest rate since the start of the global financial crisis, and only a modest and gradual pick up is expected next year, the IMF said. And, the International Monetary Fund offered a mixed outlook for theMiddle Eastregion. IMF

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde called on Friday for greater global cooperation to put the world on a strong path to recovery and build on the huge demographic and technological changes taking place that are driving a shift in global economic power. IMF